If meditation is simply creating an awareness of what is, then it begs the question: when exactly did we stop being aware?
If we’re not aware of what is – then are we just aware of what isn’t?
*pause for reflection*
After
two weeks of meditation I’m left wondering
why it’s become so popular recently. Sometimes it feels as though we’ve lost our way and finding time everyday to just sit and breathe is the only way back to the path. Other times it feels like meditation is a luxury for those who have the time and resources to take 10 minutes every day to just sit and breathe.
In the end, no matter what the reason is, meditation feels like the start of something good. Like taking a step back and enjoying an intermission in the middle of the day…
Like having recess again.
Here’s how week 2 unfolded for me.
Monday - Day 8. It’s difficult to be mindful when you don’t completely buy into what’s being sold. I have a theory (bare with me on this). The meditation scale has Gandhi chanting with the spirits on one end and texting and grocery lists on the other. Everyone’s got his or her own spot on the scale and it changes from one day to the next. I’d like to think of deep breathing and sitting still as somewhere in the middle – and that’s usually where you’ll find me!
Tuesday - Day 9. There’s something to be said about connecting with the rhythm and the vibe of the person guiding you in this challenge. When that connection happens, it makes such a difference in helping you
stay focused and relaxed. Basically, what I’m saying is that from now on, I’d like my meditation guide to be Morgan Freeman or David Attenborough.
Wednesday - Day 10. It’s wild to see
where the mind wanders when you’re telling it to just chill out. Here’s this fantastic guide with a soothing voice and pleasant demeanor and all I can do is sit there and try to make out her accent. The next thing I know I’m wondering about what kind of tea they have in the mountains of Japan and I’ve missed the whole meditation. Just me?
Thursday - Day 11. The mid-week meditation tends to be the one that provokes the most antsyness (not a word, I know). There’s that brutal combination of work still left to do and the giddiness of thinking about weekend plans. Enough to keep your mind occupied and make you to miss the moment. Although, as with all other issues in life, the one thing that can always bring you back to where you need to be
is a puppy. Nothing like a lick on the face to remind you of where you need to be – here and now.
Friday - Day 12. Meditation in a nutshell: sit comfortably while someone gently reminds you that you’re still breathing, the world is still turning, and everything is going to be okay. There are certain moments when, for a brief moment, you believe it – bliss. Then the phone rings, you snap out of it and you start to plan what you’re going to have for lunch.
Saturday - Day 13. Things got a bit personal in today’s meditation. Bringing in people we want forgiveness from felt a little intrusive, sort of like someone walking into the room while you’re changing. All I’m saying is I was a bit thrown off when a girl I once pushed in the schoolyard in grade two suddenly appeared in my head. I’d like to think she felt my “ask for forgiveness” vibes and had a better day because of them.
Sunday - Day 14. Note to self: don’t meditate when tired. Or hungry. Or full for that matter. Being tired or hungry always overpowers any desire I have to breathe deeply. Deep breath in – mmm
Thai food for dinner! Exhale – this pillow is so soft and comfortable and maybe I’ll just put my head down for a minute…
This second time around has been a bit more of a philosophical exploration than I was anticipating. Wondering about who meditates and why and realizing that I spend quite a lot of time thinking about lunch.
Luckily there are things like puppies and people with soothing voices, speaking the right words to help us refocus and keep us going for the rest of this challenge.
Sarah Canzer from Montreal, Quebec
With a background in the comedy business, a bachelor's degree in political science and a passion for skiing, Sarah Canzer is as eclectic as they come. An avid athlete, her interest in health and wellness peaked a few years ago after she learned how to regain her strength following major surgery. She was born, raised, educated and is working in Montreal, and lives with her lovely fiancé and incredibly energetic puppy.
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